Tackling graffiti and vandalism on public transport

The State Government is rolling out a suite of measures to combat graffiti and vandalism attacks on our train, tram and bus network, including a comprehensive public awareness campaign.

“Incidents of graffiti and vandalism attacks on our public transport network come at a high cost to taxpayers, with an estimated $800,000 per year spent on cleaning graffiti off public transport infrastructure,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Local Government Stephan Knoll.

“The State Government is taking action to reduce graffiti through this anti-graffiti initiative, with the campaign being rolled out from this week on the Seaford line.

“The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure is joining forces with SA Police and Crime Stoppers to put the spotlight on graffiti vandals, and the campaign will increase awareness of what the public can do help combat graffiti attacks in their local area.

“Rewards of up to $1,000 will be available to people who provide information which leads to a successful conviction of an individual for committing a graffiti-related offence on all types of public transport and associated infrastructure such as train stations.

“The campaign will be run in various forms and across a number of different communications channels, with signage at 23 stations, targeted social media advertisements, posters on-board buses and Seaford trains, and on other digital platforms.

“We’re committed to removing and preventing graffiti on the public transport network, but we need the public’s help to do it.”

Minister for Police, Corey Wingard echoed the call to action to prevent graffiti saying this Campaign provides the opportunity for all South Australians to get involved in stopping graffiti.

“Vandalism and property damage is unsightly and it can make people feel unsafe. The community are our eyes and ears and if we see something we should say something,” said Minister Wingard.

Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Passenger Safety Transport Branch, Chief Inspector Keryl Howie said “often the seriousness of the offending goes beyond simply marking graffiti, and includes vandals even attempting to stop, delay or disable trains, putting commuters at risk, or being aggressive toward those who challenge them while marking graffiti. Those marking graffiti are often not just scribblers, but serious repeat criminal offenders who have scant regard for public property or safety.”

Crime Stoppers SA welcomed the initiative and the opportunity to work with the public, DPTI and SAPOL to tackle the scourge of graffiti and vandalism on the public transport network.

“Crime Stoppers provides an invaluable service, offering guaranteed anonymity to anyone who has seen something, heard something or witnessed something suspicious and wants to make their community a safer place by reporting something by calling our free hotline on 1800 333 000, via our website or our Report Suspicious Behaviour smartphone app,” said Crime Stoppers SA Chair Sharon Hanlon.